Delhi Dynamos FC host Chennaiyin FC on Matchday 6 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2015. Both sides are coming off the back of losses in their first matches and will be hoping to get their campaign up and running at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Thursday. Chennai limped to a disappointing 3-2 loss at home against Kolkata, while Delhi began their season with a 2-0 loss against the Gaurs.

The Super Machans will be hoping for a better defensive display after conceding thrice to Kolkata on opening day. Roberto Carlos’ men, on the other hand, will be aiming at a much improved display after failing to get on the scoresheet in their season opener, making them the only team in Hero ISL 2015 yet to open their account.

John Arne Riise vs Fikru

The Norwegian left-back seems to have donned a new role for Delhi Dynamos. Known for his marauding runs down the left flank, Riise’s position in the club’s season opener offered hints as to where the former Liverpool player will be playing for the side. The veteran forward-back’s new role towards the centre of Delhi’s defence is sure to help his longevity and bring big match know-how to the spine of the Dynamos defence.

Fikru’s capture by Chennaiyin is proving to be a smart acquisition for the southern outfit. The Ethiopian striker has settled into his new surroundings effortlessly and was lively in the league’s curtain raiser against his former side, Atlético de Kolkata. His link-up play with Chennai’s marquee signing Elano, in particular, will be a cause of headaches to more than one opposition defence as the season progresses.

Florent Malouda vs Raphael Augusto

Delhi’s match against Goa was a clear indicator of Florent Malouda’s importance to the Lions. The Frenchman has posed a constant and most lethal threat amongst the Delhi boys. He attempted more passes than any other player in the match (79). The attacking midfielder also had more shots than any other Delhi player (5). His ability to score goals and manufacture assists makes him a key foil to Delhi’s attack.

Raphael Augusto will be hoping to thwart Delhi’s attacking threats from midfield. The Brazilian midfielder’s penetrating passes forward played a key role in linking Chennai’s defence to attack. With an astounding passing accuracy of 85% from Chennai’s first game, the 24-year-old’s judicious use of possession is likely to boost Chennai’s hopes - bettering their Season 1 exploits.

Vinicius vs Alessandro Potenza

The 27-year-old Brazilian showed us glimpses of what he his capable off against FC Goa before coming off at half-time as he moved a step closer to gaining match sharpness. Delhi’s number 7 sparked to life in bursts during his debut putting in three great crosses from the right which could have easily ended up in the back of the net. Vinicius can be expected to have a bigger say in his team’s fortunes as the season develops and he gets into the rhythm of the Hero ISL.

Alessandro Potenza showed us exactly why Chennai added him to the squad in the build-up to the new season. The Italian centre-back bought defensive security to the Chennai backline and was a calming presence at the back. Potenza made eight clearances for his side in their last game and had a passing accuracy of 80%. The robust centre-back’s commanding presence at the back will tighten up Chennaiyin FC’s defence as the season moves on.

Both sides will be expecting to get their first points of the Season as Hero ISL 2015 kicks into top gear. A midfield battle featuring the likes of Elano and Harmanjot Khabra from Chennai and Delhi’s Hans Mulder as well as Gustavo dos Santos will have a telling say in the eventual outcome of this encounter. Elano has already got off the mark in this year’s competition with a calmly taken penalty against the defending champions, whereas Khabra’s energy in midfield will play a pivotal role in the battle for midfield dominance.

Delhi meanwhile will be looking at their star man from last season, dos Santos, to pull the strings from midfield. The lightning-quick Brazilian’s pace can make the difference on the pitch. His haul of five goals and two assists should serve as a reminder to the rest of the competition of what he is capable of. With Mulder by his side, Santos can surge forward relentlessly knowing that Mulder’s defensive instincts are ideal to screen the Delhi backline when the Dynamos push forward.